New Orleans Pelicans: Top 10 NBA Draft in franchise history

5. J.R. Smith (SG) — No. 18 pick in 2004 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Hornets, 2004-06):  131 GP, 9.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 39.4 FG%, 31.6 3P%, 74.0 FT%

J.R. Smith has developed quite the reputation over his 13 seasons in the NBA. However, the recent NBA champion got his start in the teal and gold of the Hornets. The northern New Jersey native was drafted directly out of high school, having played for the prestigious Saint Benedict’s Prep.

Smith had a fruitful rookie season. He saw plenty of playing time on a transitioning Hornets team that ended up finishing with a franchise-worst 18-64 record. Smith played 76 games and started 56 of them. He averaged 24.5 minutes, 10.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

He didn’t produce very efficiently, however, only shooting 39.4 percent from the field. But Smith still had a strong midseason, winning Rookie of the Month from January through March 2005.

His athleticism earned him a spot in the 2005 Slam Dunk Contest alongside fellow Hornet Chris Andersen. While his teammate struggled mightily, Smith finished third out four contestants with two solid dunks. Unfortunately, those dunks weren’t enough to get him into the final round.

Smith’s sophomore year wasn’t as eventful. He regressed statistically as the team was forced to shift operations to Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina. Smith struggled so much that he lost his starting spot to Kirk Snyder. He finished the season averaging 7.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists.

On July 14, 2006, the Hornets sent Smith and P.J. Brown to the Chicago Bulls for Tyson Chandler. Six days later, the Bulls moved Smith to the Denver Nuggets for Howard Eisley and two second round picks.

Over the next 11 seasons, J.R. Smith eventually built his reputation as a ferocious dunker,  3-point marksmen, shirtless wonder and NBA champion. However, that persona got its start in New Orleans.